I decided to share my information on Empowher.com after seeing another add for using hormone replacement therapy. As women age, they might start to wake up at night, feel sluggish, foggy brain, hot at night (not sweats), etc. What concerns me, is the automatic assumption that these symptoms are all hormone related. I'm discounting hormone level change issues. They are very real. I am, however; suggesting you consider the possibility of a thyroid imbalance. 65% of postmenopausal women develope hypothyroidism.
I did a lot of research online regarding foods that hinder/help hypothyroidism and all that the thyroid really affects. I was concerned that i would become "one of those overweight thyroid people", but realized that I can maintain a healthy weight with proper diet, daily exercise, and making sure I have the correct dosage of thyroid medicine.
I want to encourage those of you who might be experiencing symptoms that are very similar to 'change of life' symptoms to also speak to your doctor about testing your thyroid level.
Take charge of your life!
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Hello Anonymous,
We welcome you to the EmpowHER community and thank you for sharing your story. You bring up a very good point. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and produces hormones which play a key role in our metabolism. An overactive(hyperthyroidism) or underactive(hypothyroidism) thyroid gland can produce symptoms that can be mistaken for menopausal symptoms in women of a particular age group. Thank you for raising awareness of this common misconception.
Maryann
March 5, 2013 - 5:48pmThis Comment